Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Chicago is 55% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,380/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 61%
$75,134/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 38%
$315,200 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 232%
$1,502/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 56%
2,707,648
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $838/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $10,056/year.

Median household income is $28,644/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Chicago or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Pasadena?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $838/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Pasadena?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $28,644/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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